A MEDICAL programme at a Tyneside hospital is encouraging students to gain employment in the profession. Health Reporter Helen Rae explains.

A SHADOWING programme at one of the region’s busiest hospitals is helping aspiring medics to make their mark nationwide.

The scheme, initially an informal arrangement enjoyed by the relatives and friends of staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, was formalised and launched three years ago.

Last year it attracted 71 students, and there are 50 already lined up for the year ahead. Most come from North East but some travel further, one coming all the way from Plymouth.

Philip Lane, personnel officer for the Trust, is responsible for the scheme.

He said: “This is for people aged 16 or over who are genuinely interested in a medical career.

“It shows them in some detail what the job is all about. Except for the operating theatres, they get to see pretty much all the other aspects of care in the hospital. This tends to reinforce or end their medical aspirations.

“For those who do decide to go ahead, it also enables them to demonstrate some quality work experience when applying to medical schools, which is something that can give them the edge in a competitive arena.”

Dr Clive Kelly, the lead consultant supporting the programme, added: “We try to show the students as much as possible without breaching any patient confidentiality, and it’s encouraging to see about two thirds of them decide to continue down the medical route.

“I’m sure that we will soon see young doctors coming to work here who have taken part in the programme. We see it as our investment in the future of the medical profession in general and this trust in particular.”

For Nicola Lynch, 30, from Chester-le-Street, the work experience confirmed her desire to switch to a medical career.

“Already having a biochemistry degree, she is now in the first year of a four-year medical course at Newcastle University. She said: “I was fairly sure that this was what I wanted to do, but the work experience confirmed it.

“I found it extremely thorough and hugely interesting.

“It also improved my CV for medical school applications. Although the shortened course means study is pretty intense, my time at the QE ensured I came into it with my eyes open.”

The Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust programme is supporting North East’s aim to be number one choice for trainee doctors. The ‘Live and Train' campaign, featuring a new website – www.northerndeaneryrecruitment.nhs.uk – and promotional materials, is designed to show exactly what the region has to offer.

“We are raising the bar in terms of regional promotion and demonstrating what we know,” said Dr Moira Livingston, Postgraduate Dean and Director of the Northern Deanery which organises training.

“The NHS in the North East is the best place for doctors to train and the region is a fantastic place to live.”